Working with Different Communication Styles
LINEAR
Communication is conducted in a straight line,
moving in a linear way toward the main point.
"Getting to the point" is very important and the
point is stated explicitly. Not getting to the point
quickly is seen as a time waster.
CIRCULAR
Communication is conducted in a circular manner
around the main point. The point may be left
unstated because the verbal and nonverbal
information provided is sufficient for
understanding. Stating the point explicitly is seen
as insulting the other person.
•
•
•
•
•
Be Brief
Preface your remarks with "the point is…"
Provide only as much explanation as the
other person needs
• Be explicit about the main point
• Do not deviate from the main point
DIRECT
What one means is stated in a very
straightforward and direct manner. There is no
"beating around the bush." Directness is equated
with honesty and respect for the other person.
•
•
•
•
INDIRECT
Meaning is conveyed by subtle means such as
nonverbal behavior, parables and stories,
suggestions and implication. Indirectness is
equated with politeness and respect for the other
person.
Respect the other person's time
Don't create ambiguity or uncertainty by
avoiding the issue
• Be straightforward
FORMAL
Communication is governed by strict rules
regarding such things as: forms of address, ways
to address persons of different ages and statuses,
topics which can and cannot be discussed, etc.
Communication in many respects is highly
ritualized.
•
•
•
•
Study the rules of communication in the
target society / group and follow them.
Never preface a comment with, "the point is..."
Embellish your remarks with stories and
anecdotes. Let the story make the point.
Let the other person infer the meaning of your
comments from the story
Respect the other person's feelings
Don't put the other person on the spot by being
too direct
INFORMAL
Communication is less bound to specific
conventions. Persons have more flexibility in
what they say, to whom they say it, and under
what circumstances. Informal communication
might also be demonstrated by the use of the first
name, for example.
Try to find out what is allowable in the host
society / group and follow the conventions.
•
LOW CONTEXT
The context of the communication is not
assumed to be known. Things must be explained
clearly and unambiguously. Meaning must be
expressed precisely.
HIGH CONTEXT
The context for communication is assumed to be
known. Hence it is unnecessary, even insulting to
explain things and state meaning precisely.
Meaning is taken from context.
•
•
•
Always communicate clearly, completely,
and unambiguously.
Don't leave understanding to chance.
•
Always respect the other person's
understanding of the situation.
Leave understanding to the other person.
ATTACHED (Emotive)
Communication is carried out with feeling and
emotion. Issues are discussed with a degree of
passion and commitment. Communication is
very expressive. Sharing one's values and
feelings about the issues is highly valued.
•
•
•
DETACHED (non-Emotive)
Communication is carried out in a calm and
impersonal manner. This is equated with
objectivity, which is valued. Highly expressive,
emotive, and engaged communication is
inappropriate because this is seen as personalizing
the issues and as biased.
State your views with passion and conviction
•
If you care about an idea, show it.
Bring yourself as a person into the discussion •
and show who you are.
•
State your views dispassionately
Avoid being overly emotional
Avoid personalizing the discussion - keep
yourself out of it.
•
IDEA-FOCUSED
The emphasis is on ideas which are seen as
separate from the person. Thus, disagreement
with another person's ideas is acceptable and
even valued. It is not seen as a personal attack.
PERSON-FOCUSED
The emphasis is on the person, hence great
importance is attached to the feelings of the other
person. Issues and ideas are not separated from
the person. Thus, disagreement with someone's
ideas must be handled very carefully.
•
•
•
•
Listen carefully to the ideas being discussed.
If you disagree with someone's ideas, say so.
Because a person's ideas are wrong, doesn't
mean there is something wrong with the
person.
•
•
Respond to the person. Be attentive to
feelings.
In your communication, be careful not to hurt
the other person's feelings.
Understand that an attack on someone's idea is
an attack on that person.
TASK-FOCUSED
Communication focuses on the task at hand and
getting it done. The other person's feelings are
secondary. Group harmony is secondary to task
completion.
RELATIONSHIP-FOCUSED
Communication is focused on relationships.
Maintaining group harmony is central. The task is
secondary. Task completion must not come at the
expense of the group or person.
•
•
•
•
•
Keep focusing on the task at hand
Don't allow too much small talk to sidetrack
the task
Clarify the task
Publicly sanction slackards
•
•
Make certain that your concern with the task
doesn't come at the expense of someone's
feelings and the well-being of the group.
Praise the participants for their good work.
Never publicly call down a colleague.
Adapted from J. Bennett, 1993 by Michael Paige, 1996
For use by One Ummah Consulting
www.oneummahconsulting.com